Though it's small enough to be checked in with your airplane luggage, the Versatrax 100 is making big news in the world of pipe inspection technology.

The latest miniature crawler system from Inuktun Services Inc. is built using time-tested modules with added portability and durability.

"The Versatrax 100 can go anywhere - upstream, downstream, negotiating turns," said Jake Jacobsen operations manager for Downstream Services Inc. "It's very portable so it eliminates extra setups with our crews. Setups count for 25 per cent of our production loss," he said.

As well as sewer maintenance, the Versatrax 100 can also be used in air ducts, steam headers and oil, gas and chemical pipelines. The Microtrac crawlers provide traction that lets the unit inspect pipes that other systems can't access. The unit is also operable at 100 ft. underwater.

"The Versatrax 100 is unique in our industry," said Inuktun president Colin Dobell. "It is more portable than other units and can operate effectively in pipe as small as 4" in diameter. The vehicle is even steerable in 6" and larger pipe."

All Inuktun Versatrax units are easily configurable for round pipe or flat surface operation. The vehicles are adjustable for a range of pipe diameters.

"During a demonstration in San Diego, the Versatrax 100 was able to travel a full length of pipe, uphill, against the flow," said Dobell. "The client tried three other systems that could not complete the inspection."

The Versatrax 100 is built on a modular system, which combines trusted equipment with new technologies.

Inuktun has been using the Versatrax's track modules since 1994 and its camera since 2002. The newest unit incorporates a cable reel and a new chassis to make changing the setup for different pipe sizes even easier. "The bottom line is that it's easy to use, operator friendly and at the end of the day we have greater production," said Jacobsen. The Versatrax 100 is now available from Ashtead Technology Rentals. Visit http://www.ashtead- technology.com for more information.